In this episode, Kate Christy welcomes Annica Lydenberg, a lettering artist and mural painter from Brooklyn, New York. 

Annica is the founder of Dirty Bandits, an award winning Brooklyn-based design studio delivering quality visual identity design, lettering and murals. Annica's work is fueled by her deep appreciation for typography, love of storytelling and a dedication to social good.

In this episode, Annica shares her unconventional journey from corporate life to a thriving freelance career, her transition into motherhood, and the lessons she’s learned about balancing creativity, parenting, and business. 

She opens up about her challenges as a solo parent, financial pressures, and finding joy in embracing authenticity over perfection.

From painting murals to running her nonprofit, You Are Not Alone Murals, Annica’s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and creating opportunities in unconventional ways. She also discusses her latest creative venture, Noteworthy Life, which turns personal growth mantras into visual art.

Tune in to hear Annica’s reflections on her career pivots, the realities of parenting while freelancing, and her strategies for building a life that aligns with her values.

Highlights

• The End of Corporate Life: Annica shares how job layoffs and personal setbacks led her to an unexpected freelance career.
• Creative Pivots: Her journey from web design to analog typography and mural painting.
• Balancing Motherhood and Work: Insights on parenting as a solo mom while running a creative business.
• The Challenges of Pricing: Annica opens up about learning to value her work and advocate for fair compensation.
• Finding Joy in Community Work: The impact of her nonprofit, You Are Not Alone Murals, on destigmatizing mental health conversations.
• Managing Time and Mental Load: Hacks and habits to balance family, creativity, and life’s chaos.
• Embracing Authenticity Over Acceptance: Choosing what aligns with her values instead of societal expectations.
• Noteworthy Life Project: Transforming personal mantras into large-scale art that inspires introspection and growth.

Mentioned in the Show:

• You Are Not Alone Murals

Connect with Annica Lydenberg online:

• Website
• Instagram

Connect with Kate Christy:

• Website
• Website (Podcast)
• Instagram (Podcast)
• Instagram